Data from Government Fleet’s biennial industry survey shows more fleets reported size decreases this year than previous years, and the pandemic led to decreased operating and replacement budgets.
2021 Industry Statistics
This chart shows the profile of survey respondents and the public entities for which they work. Half of respondents said they work for a fleet within a city.
Respondents were asked to pick their top three concerns, and greening initiatives topped the list of biggest concerns for fleet managers, despite ranking sixth in the past three surveys. The main concerns listed in “Other” were vehicle availability and delays.
Fleet operations implemented various measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; many anticipate removing these in the second half of 2021 or in 2022. “Other” responses included staggering, splitting, or creating second shifts; and moving to one person per vehicle. (More than one response possible.)
Nearly half (44%) of fleets surveyed are small, with less than 500 units.
Regular gasoline and diesel vehicles make up 68% of fleets.
This graph tracks respondents’ reports of fleet size fluctuations from the past five surveys (in 2019, GF began sending the surveys biennially). More fleets reported size decreases this year than any other. The pandemic was cited as reasons for both increases and decreases in fleet size. The most common reason cited for fleet reduction, however, was right-sizing.
Less than half of respondents said they saw budget increases, down from 57% in 2019. Those with increased budgets pointed to higher cost of vehicles, parts, and fuel; extended lifecycles leading to increased maintenance costs; and more. Most respondents with decreased budgets said the COVID-19 pandemic was the cause.
Fluctuations in replacement budgets year over year are normal, as each year’s vehicle replacement needs may be different. However, many with significant decreases this year cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason. In addition to normal fluctuations, those with budget increases cited adding new departments and territories as well as catching up on reductions from 2020 COVID-related cuts.
Respondents were asked what services they outsource to other vendors, with the most outsourced work being glass work. (More than one response possible.)
Most fleets provide tools and uniforms, or allowances for them, for their employees.